29

Alea was a beautiful, young but above all talented and self-confident woman who lived in Miami.

At 25, she received an incredible job offer at one of America's largest banks.

In her first week as team leader, she meets the mysterious and handsome Mr. Silva, who is none other than the CEO himself. She took on him in front of the entire staff, which will have dire consequences for her.

Den Mr. Silva is anything but nice and courteous. Cold-hearted, arrogant, bossy and mean are more like him.

***

The week flew by and I was already loving my new role. It was fun and all employees were totally motivated and supported me. It was Thursday and today was the big meeting with all managers.

When I entered the large hall with my area manager, Mr. Marker, a number of executives were already present. The seating was easily enough for 500 people, or rather executives. And that's exactly how many we were in the end.

But the frightening thing was that you could count on one hand how many women were among them. Namely exactly 4 pieces including me. Wow. So much for equality between men and women. It starts at management level. I can count myself all the happier to have been given the opportunity to become a manager.

We took a seat and the lights dimmed. Now all 6 board members came on stage and the crowd clapped. Three of you looked a bit older. I'm guessing early to mid 60's. It must be Mr. Denver, Harper and Terris.

We never see our directors. We only know them from posters and flyers. Then there was Mr. Low, in his early forties I would guess. Next to him was Mr. Linked who must be around thirty. Mr. Silva was the last to enter the stage.

He was also in his early 30s and the CEO. So the CEO. Remarkable which position he has already reached at his age. But I immediately understood why as I watched him.

He was confident, no question, but he had an eerie aura about him. An aura that instantly silenced and feared everyone in the room. His gaze is cold and his gestures are arrogant and condescending. You could say the perfect CEO. Because to run a company like that you have to have a certain kind of arrogance and toughness. And he radiates it. Definitive.

I couldn't take my eyes off him. It fascinated me. He fascinated me in an inexplicable way. He was tall and muscular. You could clearly see this through his tailored suit. He wore a white fitted shirt and a light gray suit. He wore no tie, just black patent leather shoes that shone impeccably. His dark hair was combed back perfectly and fixed with gel. He had a prominent chin and a three-day beard. His teeth were perfect as if he wore braces in his youth. Plus bright white.

He must have had a nice smile, but since he wasn't smiling, his expression was serious all the time, I could only assume this. His dark brown eyes were surrounded by his thick eyelashes and made his gaze incredibly intense. As if he could see each and every one of us straight into the soul. Like the devil himself.

I tucked a strand of my long, wavy brown hair behind my ear and listened intently to the lecture.

The longer the executives spoke, the more crystallized what the project meant. Employees. It was about downsizing. In order to save personnel costs and to ensure the perfect utilization of a worker.

I snorted annoyed. Because it was clear that this company would also start doing it at some point. However, the approach that was presented to us did not suit me at all. I didn't think this was fair to the employees. If jobs are already being cut, this should be communicated openly.

All executives listened intently until the executive board members' presentation was over. "Anyone else have any questions or comments?" said Mr. Linked, one of the board members, into the microphone. But the crowd was silent.

I'm sure that some of the 500 people in the room had an opinion and would like to say something but don't dare. Or were they just smart and shut up?

However, it burned my nails. I shift in my seat and got more restless. Mr. Marke noticed my behavior and gave me a serious look while slowly shaking his head. The sign that I should be quiet.

"Not? Then I'll end the meeting and ask you all to work on the implementation." Mr. Linked finished the lecture. "Stop"... before I could even think about it, I just jumped up in front of all the people and yelled out loud stop it was already closed late. The attention of the entire hall, including the board members and the CEO, was on me. Oh fuck Alea. Inhale and exhale deeply.

'So we have a question from the lady in the middle row,' said Mr Linked. 'Would you please come forward and speak loudly into the microphone so that everyone can hear you. First of all, please state your name and department . Thank you very much". he continued. Oh damn Alea what have you got yourself into. Immediately everyone knows who I am.

Today I wore a fitted beige, knee-length dress that accentuated my buttocks and breasts perfectly. A small narrow black belt lay on my waist. In addition transparent stockings and approx. 10 cm high black patent leather high heels. I left my hair down today. They were curled and hung down to my waist.

I reached the stage and was handed the microphone. I closed my eyes for a brief moment before saying, "My name is Alea Miles and I manage property".

All eyes were on me as well as the ceiling spotlight, which was operated by a technician. "Glad you found the courage to speak, Ms. Miles," Mr. Linked greeted me.

I looked at him and returned his statement with a small smile. My gaze slid to Mr. Silva, who examined me with his intense gaze before looking me straight in the eye.

I immediately broke eye contact because I couldn't hold his gaze. It was as if he was burning himself into me and immediately revealed my insecurities. As if he could read my deepest secrets and thoughts.

"Now Mr. Miles, begin" Mr. Linked encouraged me to speak. I gave him a slight nod and considered my next words carefully. I spoke carefully into the microphone: "Thank you Mr. Linked for allowing me to speak "I asked myself whether it wouldn't make more sense to choose a different way of communicating, especially when it comes to such a sensitive topic as employees and job cuts. I think open and honest communication would show the appreciation of the employees and also anticipate fears".

My heart was racing and I looked at my area manager who was still sitting in the audience. He shook his head and put his hand to his forehead. I think he's trying to tell me that it was a mistake.

I looked back at Mr Linked who was just about to speak when Mr Silva's hand rested on his shoulder. Mr. Linked handed the microphone to Mr. Silva and he looked me straight in the eye again before saying in a sharp tone:

"Ms. Miles, are you implying that the way we communicate doesn't make sense and that we don't value our employees enough?" I was speechless at first, but quickly caught myself and answered: "No, Mr. Silva, I..." yes I couldn't get any further because Mr. Silva already interrupted me by shaking his head arrogantly and speaking

"I thought so. Ms. Miles. Why don't you do us a favor and take care of the things you really know how to do". He smiled falsely and wanted to give the microphone back to Mr. Linked.

I was seething with anger. What a haughty, lousy guy he was. I don't know what got into me at that moment, but I couldn't let this humiliation stand in the room. Mr. Silva was already on his way back to his seat when I spoke into my microphone:

"So you think I have no idea about communication and appreciation Mr. Silva? Our current conversation is the best example that I probably know more about this than you do."

The crowd in the hall snorted audibly and Mr. Silva immediately turned around. He looked at me more than annoyed. boom 1-0 for me. Okay, now that might have cost me my job and now that I think about it, that was pretty stupid to say. However, I couldn't help it.

After all, it was also about my dignity and actually I only told the truth, which probably everyone in the room thought. However, before Mr. Silva could answer, I put my microphone on the floor and left the stage and then the hall. With every step I took, I could feel all pairs of eyes on me.

Above all, however, I felt Mr. Silva's pair of eyes. They burned into my back and I could literally feel his anger.